Govt Moves to Tighten Social Media Laws with PECA Amendment Bill 2025

ISLAMABAD: In a significant move to regulate Pakistan’s online space, the government has introduced a major amendment to the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016, aiming to hold social media platforms and service providers directly accountable for objectionable content.

The Electronic Crimes (Amendment) Bill 2025, tabled in the Senate by PML-N Senator Anusha Rehman, targets Section 38 of PECA, which currently grants legal protection to internet service providers. The proposed change seeks to revoke this immunity if companies fail to comply with content removal orders issued by the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) or other competent authorities.

Direct Legal Action for Non-Compliance

Under the proposed amendment, internet, mobile, telecom, web hosting, data processing, payment, and storage companies will be legally bound to block or remove content deemed illegal or objectionable. Non-compliance will lead to direct legal action against the companies and also individual officers responsible for violations.

The bill aims to make it mandatory for service providers to follow takedown instructions in all cases, failing which civil and criminal liability could apply.

A Step Toward Safer Online Space

The government claims the amendment is part of a broader strategy to curb harmful, illegal, and abusive content on digital platforms. Officials argue the law will not only promote accountability among tech platforms but also deter users from uploading content that violates Pakistani laws and societal norms.

The amendment has sparked debate around digital freedoms vs. regulation, with critics raising concerns about potential misuse, while proponents stress the need for stricter control over misinformation, hate speech, and cybercrime.

The bill is currently under consideration in the Senate.

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